Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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11. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43288/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Custume Barracks is and will continue to be an important operational military barracks. This is evidenced by ongoing investment and upgrades to the barracks. The Department is engaged in an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. Under this programme there has been considerable capital investment at Custume Barracks, Athlone in recent years, amounting to some €6.38m from 2009 to date.

The most recent major projects undertaken at the barracks include investment of €932,000 in the construction of Armoured Vehicle Garaging facilities, €1.8 million investment in a Gymnasium and an upgrading of gas and water main facilities including the provision of new underground services and associated works, at a cost of €597,000.

In addition to the major capital projects as outlined above, there are ongoing works required to ensure the upkeep and repair of buildings and provide facilities generally for personnel. Recent examples include the upgrading of Accommodation Blocks ‘K’ and ‘I’ (at a cost of €357,000) in order to provide transit accommodation for personnel, including those relocated under the barrack consolidation programme. Additional locker facilities were also provided, at a cost of €397,000 for personnel transferring into the Barracks over that period.